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Ask anyone who has done Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, and they will tell you the next question is always “what else can we add?” For a lot of travellers, the answer is Nepal. An India and Nepal trip is easier than it sounds. Kathmandu is about two hours from Delhi by flight, and the two places go well together: forts and bazaars on one side, temples and mountains on the other. We at Active India Holidays plan this trip every season, so this post is basically what we tell guests when they call us.
How Many Days Do You Need for an India and Nepal Trip?
Twelve days works well for most people. With less than eight, you spend the whole trip in cars and airports.
Our usual plan is two nights in Delhi, one in Agra, two in Jaipur, two in Varanasi, three in Kathmandu and two in Pokhara. That is a lot of moving around. If you are travelling with kids or older parents, drop Jaipur or Varanasi and stay longer in Nepal instead.
Delhi: Don’t Try to See All of It
Delhi is huge, and you will be exhausted if you try. Pick Old Delhi for the morning. Walk through Chandni Chowk, eat parathas and jalebi, and look at Jama Masjid. In the afternoon, go to Humayun’s Tomb. It is calmer than the Red Fort and, honestly, better looking. Keep the evening free. Most people land tired and just want a good dinner.
Agra and Jaipur
Agra is a three to four hour drive from Delhi. Reach the Taj Mahal when it opens. By nine, it is hot and packed. Many people skip Agra Fort, and they should not. It is one of the best forts on this route.
In Jaipur, go to Amber Fort early, before the tour buses arrive. Hawa Mahal is best as a quick photo stop from outside, so do not spend an hour there. For shopping, Johari Bazaar is good for jewellery and Bapu Bazaar for fabrics and handicrafts.
Varanasi
Take a boat on the Ganges at sunrise. In the evening, watch the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat. The lanes are narrow and busy, so wear shoes you can walk in. Some guests love Varanasi from the first hour. Others need a day to get used to it. Both are fine.
How do you get from India to Nepal?
Fly. Delhi to Kathmandu takes about two hours, and there are flights from Varanasi too. You can go by road, but it takes very long, and we only suggest it if someone really wants an overland trip.
Indian passport holders do not need a visa for Nepal, and most other nationalities can get one on arrival. Rules can change, so check before you fly. We do this check for every guest.
What Should You See in Kathmandu?
Three nights is a good amount of time. Start with Pashupatinath, a large Hindu temple complex on the Bagmati River. Then go to Boudhanath, one of the biggest Buddhist stupas anywhere. Try to be there in the evening, when locals walk around it and light butter lamps.
Swayambhunath, also called the Monkey Temple, has a lot of steps, but the view over the valley makes up for it. Durbar Square has old palaces and carved wooden windows. Save Thamel for your last evening. It is full of cafes and small shops, and it is the easiest place to buy gifts.
If the sky is clear, book the short mountain flight. You get a close look at Everest without any trekking.
Is Pokhara Worth the Extra Days?
Yes, especially after the cities. Pokhara sits on Phewa Lake, with the Annapurna range right behind it. Take a boat out early in the morning, before it gets busy. If you want some excitement, paragliding is popular here. Most of our guests book two nights and wish they had booked three.
Can You Add a Trek to This Trip?
You can, and many guests ask for it. The Markha Valley trek in Ladakh is a good choice. You walk from village to village, cross streams, sleep in homestays and eat simple meals with local families. It takes about 7 to 9 days, and the highest point, Kongmaru La, is around 5,200 metres.
That height matters. Spend at least two days in Leh before you start, so your body can adjust. A fit beginner can manage this trek, but only if they practise long walks first. The best months are June to September.
Ladakh is only one option. There are many other trekking trips in India, in Himachal, Uttarakhand and Sikkim. If you are looking at India trekking tours, tell us your fitness level and how many days you have. We will suggest a route that fits, and we will say it plainly if something is too hard.
When Is the Best Time to Go?
October and November are best. The weather is clear and comfortable in both countries. February to April is also good, and the hills in Nepal are green. June to September is hot and wet in the plains, but that is exactly when Ladakh treks like Markha Valley work best. December and January have cold mornings, but sightseeing is still easy.
What Should You Check Before Booking a Nepal Tour Package?
A lot of Nepal holiday packages look the same until you read the details. Ask whether flights between cities are included. Ask for actual hotel names, not just star ratings. Find out if the guide is with you every day or only on some days. Ask who you can call if something goes wrong. And ask if there are any costs that are not listed.
If a company cannot answer these clearly, keep looking. A good Nepal tour package should be easy to understand before you pay.
Why Book with Active India Holidays?
We plan trips across India and Nepal, and each plan starts with what you like. Some guests want history, some want food, and some just want mountains. We ask first and plan after. You get local guides, hotels we have checked, and a team you can reach during the trip.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need for an India and Nepal trip?
10 to 14 days is comfortable. With less than 8 days, most of your time goes in travel.
Is it easy to travel from India to Nepal?
Yes. Flights from Delhi and Varanasi to Kathmandu take about two hours.
What is the best time for an India and Nepal trip?
October and November, when the weather is good in both countries.
Can I add the Markha Valley trek?
Yes, if you travel between June and September. We usually add it before or after the cultural part of the trip.
Do Nepal holiday packages include flights?
Some do and some do not. With Active India Holidays, we tell you exactly what is included before you pay.
Is this trip fine for families and first-time travellers?
Yes. We change the pace and hotels to suit who is travelling.
Can I customise a Nepal India tour?
Yes. Send us your dates, budget and interests, and we will build the plan around them.
Plan Your India and Nepal Trip with Us
If you want the Taj Mahal, the Ganges and the temples of Kathmandu in one trip, this route works well. Message Active India Holidays with your travel dates, and we will send you a plan you can change however you like.
